Ty's One-Man Band

Theme: Recognizing that music is everywhere enables people to create and enjoy it as an important part of life.

On a hot, humdrum day Ty meets a mysterious man who uses a washboard, comb, spoons, and a pail to create a one-man band out of thin air.

LeVar explores a concert in the park where he discovers a rap-band, doo-wa group, jazz band, and salsa band — all different types of music. An a capella singing group and the talented Ben Vereen add to the mix. A visit with Reading Rainbow’s music director shows how he performs magic with a music synthesizer.

Author: Mildred Pitts Walter Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Field Trip Segments Meet Ben Vereen – Ben Vereen sings and dances in a park to the song “It Sounds Like Music to Me”. Fortune – A cappella singers of the group “Fortune” sing and harmonize in the park. Let’s Make Music! – LeVar introduces us to Steve Horelick, Reading Rainbow music director, he shows how he uses a keyboard and computer to create music and sounds. Later, Steve’s song about sounds is animated.

Review Books:Making Musical Things by Ann Wiseman; The Amazing Bone by William Steig; The Banza by Diane Wolkstein.